As I have said before, Donald Trump's calculated decision to appeal to the worst side of human nature led to him running a campaign based on hatred and fear. This type of neofascism has long resided on the fringes of world politics, but it never had a serious following in America. Donald Trump changed all that. I have called on Trump to reject hatred and tell his supporters that every person in America has the right to pursue the American Dream, but he has chosen not to do so.

Donald Trump’s election and coming inauguration are forcing Americans to make tough decisions. Many Americans, who would normally want to celebrate democracy during the inauguration of a new president, feel they cannot do so without also endorsing Trump's racism, xenophobia, and misogyny. Recently, Jan Chamberlin, a singer with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, resigned her membership rather than perform at the inauguration, in order to completely disassociate herself with the Trump presidency. In a clearly worded letter, Jan explained that she could not be seen as endorsing tyranny and fascism.

I understand completely the difficult choice Jan had to make. She loves the choir, she loves to sing, she loves to promote the values she holds dear, and she loves her church – the same church that Trump’s top advisor, Steve Bannon, mocked when he ridiculed Mitt Romney’s sons. But Jan refuses to be part of the wave of hatred unleashed by Donald Trump. She should not be castigated or repudiated for acting on her sincere beliefs.

In the Trump era, many Americans will have to make equally difficult decisions. I admire and support the people like Jan who reject tyranny and fascism and do what they can to stand up for what is right.